The FY 2001 House Allowance for NIA is $790,299,000--an increase of 14.9 percent over the FY 2000 comparable estimate of $687,861,000--while the FY 2001 Senate Allowance provides $794,625,000--an increase of 15.5 percent over FY 2000.
Alzheimer's disease (AD) – The Committee urged NIA to devote additional resources to large-scale clinical trials in search of compounds that will prevent AD, and encouraged NIA to enhance research into the relationship between Alzheimer’s and vascular disease, particularly in minority populations. The Committee further encouraged NIA to enhance efforts to train and educate health care professionals to improve the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of AD
Bone disease – The Committee encouraged NIA to coordinate research with NIAMS on osteoporosis and Paget’s disease and to study the effects of aging on people with osteogenesis imperfecta.
Cardiovascular aging research – The Committee encouraged NIA to support ongoing studies and expand into innovative intramural and extramural cardiovascular disease research.
Demographic Research – The Committee encouraged NIA to provide an adequate level of support for the Demography Centers, as well as for the Health and Retirement Study.
Parkinson's Disease – The Committee urged NIA to increase funding to implement the Parkinson’s-focused research agenda recommendations.
Alzheimer's disease (AD) – The Committee strongly encouraged NIA to devote more resources to large-scale clinical trials in search of compounds that will prevent AD. The Committee further encouraged (a) more focused studies into the relationship between AD and vascular disease, particularly in minority populations; and (b) continued collaboration with NINDS, NIMH, and NINR.
Alzheimer's disease clinical research and training – The Committee noted that creation of an Alzheimer's Clinical Research and Training Awards program is critical to train physicians to recognize and treat AD, and to dedicate their careers to improving care for Alzheimer's patients by bridging the gap that exists between basic and clinical research.
Alzheimer's disease and Pet Scans – The Committee urged NIA to focus on early detection of AD so that clinical interventions to slow or stop the progression of the disease may be undertaken. The Committee further encouraged NIA, in collaboration with NINDS and NIMH, to expand its research efforts into early diagnosis of Alzheimer's using PET imaging of the brain.
Alzheimer's special care units – The Committee commended NIA for its innovative research on effective management of AD patients (special care units) and the needs of Alzheimer's care givers.
Bone disease – The report stated that the Committee is concerned that NIA has not given sufficient priority to the aging skeletal system and encouraged NIA to coordinate research with NIAMS on osteoporosis and Paget's disease and to begin a study of the effects of aging on people with osteogenesis imperfecta.
Cardiovascular aging research – The Committee encouraged the Institute to make cardiovascular research a top priority.
Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Centers – The Committee strongly encouraged NIA to increase the Number of centers and to consider a school of nursing for such a center.
Cognitive changes during aging – The report stated that the Committee is interested to learn about the Institute's progress in building this important area at the intersection of behavioral research and neuroscience and its efforts to plan and map promising topics in cognitive research.
Cognition, health promotion, and aging – The Committee urged NIA to use the Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommendations as a guide for expanding its portfolio in this critical area of research.
Demographic Research – The Committee encouraged the Institute to consider increasing support for the Demography of Aging Centers.
Parkinson's Disease – Given the age-related impact and the tremendous potential for development of more effective treatments, the Committee encouraged new initiatives in this area.
Health Promotion – The Committee commended NIA for its excellent public information materials on encouraging older adults to exercise and stay physically active and encouraged NIA to expand its research on health promotion interventions in aging populations.
(Contact: Ms. Karyn Ross, FMISB, 301/496-9147)
S. 2541/S. 2753, Medicare Expansion for Needed Drugs ActOn May 10, 2000, Senator Tom Daschle (D-SD) introduced S. 2541, a bill that would establish a prescription drug benefit under the Medicare program as well as enhance preventative benefits covered by Medicare. The bill contains provisions of S. 2232, the Medicare Wellness Act of 2000, which was introduced by Senator Bob Graham (D-FL) on March 9, 2000. Specifically, the bill introduced by Senator Daschle retains a provision of S. 2232 that requires the National Institute on Aging (NIA) to conduct one or more studies on ways to: (1) improve the quality of life for the elderly; (2) develop better ways to prevent or delay the onset of age-related functional decline and disease and disability among the elderly; and (3) develop means of assessing the long-term development of cost-effective benefits and cost-savings benefits for health promotion and disease prevention among the elderly. For procedural reasons, S. 2541 was reintroduced on June 19, 2000, as S. 2753 and placed on the Senate calendar. S. 2753 has 23 cosponsors.
S. 2727, Medicare Health Improvement Act of 2000On June 14, 2000, Senator Edward Kennedy (D-MA) introduced S. 2727, the Medicare Health Improvement Act. The bill seeks to improve the health of Medicare beneficiaries by eliminating cost-sharing for preventive services covered by the Medicare program and by authorizing demonstration projects to develop innovative approaches to increase the quality of care and reduce costs for Medicare beneficiaries. The bill also requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, working with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other HHS agencies, to develop a health status self-assessment tool for Medicare beneficiaries. The Secretary is also required, in consultation with NIH and the Agency for Health Care Research and Quality, to conduct a study to determine areas where treatment of Medicare beneficiaries falls short of the highest professional standards. The bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Finance for further consideration. It has three cosponsors.
S. 2922, bill to create a Pension Reform and Simplification Commission On July 26, 2000, Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) introduced S. 2922, a bill that would create a Pension Reform and Simplification Commission to evaluate and suggest ways to enhance access to the private pension plan system. The bill would require the Commission to coordinate its efforts with Federal agencies that conduct pension-related research, including the NIA. The bill has no cosponsors and was referred to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions for further consideration.
H.R. 3259, the Health Care Fairness ActOn July 26, the House Commerce Committee reported H.R. 3250, the Health Care Fairness Act of 1999, sponsored by Representative Bennie Thompson (D-MS). The bill would establish a National Center for Research on Minority Health and Health Disparities at NIH, which would be responsible for developing and implementing a balanced and comprehensive research agenda that addresses the unequal burden of morbidity and mortality in racial and ethnic minorities. The bill would also: (1) require that the Center carry out a program to facilitate research on minority health by providing for research endowments at centers of excellence, (2) establish an advisory council to advise, assist, consult with, and make recommendations to the Director of the Center, (3) authorize $100 million for the Center for fiscal year 2000, and such sums as may be necessary for fiscal years 2001 through 2004, (4) establish a loan repayment program for qualified health professionals such that not less than 50 percent of the contracts are with individuals who are from disadvantaged backgrounds, and (5) require that an evaluation report be submitted to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, and the House Committee on Commerce. The bill has not been scheduled for House floor action.
S. 1536, a bill to reauthorize the Older Americans ActOn July 21, the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee passed by voice vote S. 1536, a bill to reauthorize programs under the Older Americans Act. The bill contains a provision calling for a White House Conference on Aging before the end of 2005 as well as a provision authorizing the National Caregiver Support Program proposed by President Clinton. The bill does not contain provisions affecting the NIA. The Older Americans Act was last reauthorized in 1992. The full Congress may act on this bill before the 106th Congress adjourns.
Secretary Shalala Announces New Human Research Subject Protection InitiativesOn May 23, Donna Shalala, Secretary, Health and Human Services, announced several Departmental initiatives designed to improve human research subject safety, strengthen oversight of medical research, and reinforce researchers’ responsibility to follow guidelines. The initiatives address the following issues: education and training for researchers, administrators, and Institutional review boards; informed consent; clinical trial monitoring; conflicts of interest; and potential civil monetary penalties for research practice violations. In related actions, the Secretary has moved the Office for Protection from Research Risks (OPRR) from NIH to the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health, to be renamed the Office for Human Research Protections (OHRP), and named as Director for that office, Edward Greg Koski, Ph.D., M.D.
President Clinton Directs Medicare to Cover Usual Care Costs in Clinical TrialsOn June 7, 2000, President Clinton issued an Executive Memorandum directing the Medicare program to revise its payment policy and immediately begin reimbursing providers for the cost of routine patient care associated with participation in clinical trials. The Medicare National Coverage Decision (NCD) proposal implementing President Clinton’s executive memorandum is posted on the Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) web site for a 30-day public comment period ending September 5. HCFA expects to issue a final decision by the end of September.
President Clinton Announces Investment in Alzheimer’s Disease ResearchOn July 16, 2000, President Clinton issued a statement to announce that NIH, through the National Institute on Aging, will dedicate $50 million over the next five years to research on the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, with a particular emphasis on basic and clinical research related to the development of an Alzheimer’s vaccine and other preventive and treatment interventions.
Congressional Briefing on Healthy AgingOn May 18, 2000, NACA member, Dr. Mary Starke Harper, participated in a congressional briefing, “Healthy Aging: What Does Research Tell Us?” The American Psychological Association, Congressional Older Americans Caucus, and Older Women’s Health Team of the Congressional Women’s Caucus sponsored the briefing.
Briefing for the Congressional Research Service on Long-Term CareOn May 11, Dr. Terrie Wetle, Deputy Director, National Institute on Aging (NIA), participated in a briefing sponsored by the Congressional Research Service (CRS), “Long Term Care: Facing the Challenges of the 21st Century.” Dr. Wetle discussed the demographics of the aging population, focusing on issues regarding disability projections, Alzheimer’s disease, and anticipated caregiving services and needs.
Briefing for staff of the Senate Special Committee on AgingOn May 26, Ms. Mary Jo Hoeksema, Legislative Officer, NIA, briefed Mr. Phil Thevenet, Professional Staff Member, Senate Special Committee on Aging, on the NIA and significant aging research advances.
Briefing for Congressional Research Service (CRS) on Alzheimer’s DiseaseOn July 6, Dr. Marcelle Morrison-Bogorad, Associate Director, NIA Neuroscience and Neuropsychology of Aging (NNA) Program, and other staff from the NNA and NIA Behavioral and Social Research programs, briefed CRS analysts, Mr. Steve Redhead and Ms. Beverly Johnson, on Alzheimer’s disease and caregiving research. Mr. Redhead and Ms. Johnson are updating the CRS report on Alzheimer’s disease.
Meeting with Congressman LaFalceOn July 12, Dr. Richard Hodes, Director, NIA, had a courtesy visit with Congressman John LaFalce (D-NY). Dr. Hodes briefed the Congressman on NIA programs, significant aging research advances, and NIA-supported projects in Mr. LaFalce’s district.
Congressional Alzheimer’s Disease Task Force BriefingOn July 13, Dr. Richard Hodes, Director, NIA, participated in a briefing sponsored by the Congressional Alzheimer’s Disease Task Force regarding research advances discussed at the World Alzheimer’s Congress, which was held in Washington, D.C., July 9-18, 2000. Dr. Hodes discussed the NIH Alzheimer’s Disease Prevention Initiative and future AD research activities.
Presentation to the Institute of Medicine (IOM)On June 1, Dr. Richard Hodes, NIA Director, presented to the IOM Committee on Understanding the Biology of Sex and Gender Differences. Dr. Hodes discussed what is known, and what should be done next, with regard to research on sex and gender differences in aging, particularly those attributable to biological differences between males and females.
Meeting with American Academy for Sleep MedicineOn June 7, Dr. Richard Hodes, NIA Director and Dr. Terrie Wetle, NIA Deputy Director, met with representatives of the American Academy for Sleep Medicine (AASM). AASM requested the meeting to discuss mutual areas of scientific interest, research opportunities, and communication issues.
Meeting with American Geriatrics SocietyOn June 20, Dr. Richard Hodes, NIA Director, and Dr. Terrie Wetle, NIA Deputy Director, met with representatives of the American Geriatrics Society (AGS). AGS requested the meeting to discuss issues of importance to the AGS research and policy committees.
Meeting with International researchers from the Alzheimer’s AssociationOn July 17, Dr. Richard Hodes, NIA Director, Dr. Terrie Wetle, NIA Deputy Director, and Dr. Marcelle Morrison-Bogorad, Associate Director, NIA NNA program, hosted a meeting for international Alzheimer’s disease researchers who were in Washington, D.C., to attend the World Alzheimer’s Congress. The researchers, representing almost a dozen countries, asked questions about the NIH peer review system and discussed issues regarding scientific opportunities and interests and their desire to improve communication with the NIA.
Presentation to the American Psychological AssociationOn August 4, Dr. Richard Hodes, NIA Director, Dr. Marcelle Morrison-Bogorad, Associate Director, NIA NNA program and Dr. Richard Suzman, Associate Director, NIA Behavioral and Social Research program, spoke at a session of the American Psychological Association annual conference. At the session, “Psychology of Aging at the NIH,” Dr. Hodes outlined NIA research activities as presented in the NIA strategic plan, while Dr. Morrison-Bogorad and Dr. Suzman discussed programmatic activities and significant advances.
Contact: Ms. Mary Jo Hoeksema, NIA Legislative Officer, (301) 496-0261
Dr. Terrie "Fox" Wetle, NIA Deputy Director, will be leaving the Institute after 5 1/2 years to go to Providence, Rhode Island, where she will join the faculty of Brown University as Associate Dean of Medicine for Public Health and Public Policy and Professor of Community Health. As Deputy Director, Fox provided outstanding leadership in helping to guide the scientific and administrative directions of NIA, while maintaining her stature as an internationally recognized authority on aging research. Her exceptional abilities were also recognized and reflected by the many leadership roles in which she served across NIH and for other Federal agencies. Fox will be missed as a colleague and friend by the many whom she has touched during her time at NIA.
NIA will conduct an intensive search for a successor to Fox in the critical position of Deputy Director. The efforts of the National Advisory Council on Aging in identifying and encouraging outstanding candidates for this position will be an important part of the search process.
We would like to thank departing members of the National Advisory Council on Aging-- Drs. Elizabeth Barrett-Connor, Patricia Goldman-Rakic, Richard Goldsby, and John Rowe--for their exemplary service to the Institute.
Mr. Joe Ellis, Grants and Contracts Management Officer since 1990, will leave NIA in October. He has accepted the position of Grants Management Officer at the National Institute of General Medical Sciences. Joe has been a capable leader of NIA's complex and diverse grants portfolio. He is innovative and positive in his approach to grants. His thorough knowledge of grants policy and his efforts to work with applicants, institutions, and staff have been a tremendous benefit to NIA during a time of unprecedented growth. In addition to his contributions to NIA, Joe has worked on trans-NIH committees, with other institutes, and with research institutions on policy development, problem-solving, and educational programs. We wish him well in his new position.
Mr. Dave Reiter, NIA Grants Management Specialist since 1995, left NIA to accept a position at the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Mr. Reiter was responsible for managing grants including Centers and Cooperative Agreements of the Behavior and Social Research Program and was the lead in NIA for monitoring data on Inclusion of Women and Minorities.
On July 31, 2000, Dr. Jill Carrington joined the Biology of Aging Program as Chief of the Systems Branch. Dr. Carrington received her Ph.D. in Anatomy at the University of Wisconsin and comes to NIA from the National Center for Research Resources (NCRR) where she directed the Biological Models and Materials Research Program. Following a period of postdoctoral training, she was on the faculty of the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences from 1989-1994 before moving to the NCRR. At the NIA, Dr. Carrington will manage BAP's portfolio of grants in musculoskeletal biology, and will develop an initiative on stem cell biology.
Dr. Marilyn M. Miller joined the Neuroscience and Neuropsychology of Aging Program's Dementias of Aging Branch as Program Director for the Etiology of Alzheimer's Disease, Genetics. Dr. Miller received her M.S. in Biology and her Ph.D. in Anatomy from Loyola University, and completed postdoctoral training in the Department of Reproductive Biology and Obstetrics and Gynecology, at Case Western Reserve. Dr. Miller was most recently a faculty member in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology at McGill University.
Dr. Elisabeth Koss joined the Neuroscience and Neuropsychology of Aging Program's Dementias of Aging Branch as Assistant Director of the Alzheimer's Disease Centers Program. Dr. Koss received her Ph.D. in Psychology at City University of New York and completed postdoctoral training, as a senior staff fellow, in the Laboratory of Neuroscience at NIA. She is a neuropsychologist and was formerly on the faculty at Case Western Reserve University in the Departments of Neurology and Psychiatry. Dr. Koss was also on the clinical staff of the Alzheimer's Disease Research Center in Cleveland.
Ms. Jean Richelsen has joined the Grants and Contracts Office as a Grants Management Specialist. She brings a wealth of experience to the NIA including the management of a non-profit grant program and government experience with NASA.
Dr. George Myers, former Director of the Center for Demographic Studies at Duke University and one of the pioneers in the field of demography of Aging, died August 10. He served NIA and NIH as a member of the National Advisory Council on Aging (NACA) and on several review panels. George played a major role in developing the national statistical system and was an active adviser to the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), the Bureau of the Census, a member of the DHHS National Committee on Health and Vital Statistics, and represented the research community on the Federal Forum on Aging Related Statistics. As a NACA member, he introduced the motion to initiate the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) and served as the chair of the HRS Monitoring Committee. Myers founded the Center for Demographic Studies at Duke in 1972 and, as its director for the next 25 years, built it into an internationally known research center, and many of his students such as Ken Manton and Beth Soldo made signal contributions to the field. George’s contributions to the field were many, and included fostering comparative international research on population aging, and assisting NIA to develop initiatives in conjunction with WHO, and the United Nations. He served as the Editor of the Journal of Gerontology.
An exploratory workshop to review the state of the field and stimulate basic research on "Metabolic Regulation and Aging" was held May 15-17 in Galveston, Texas. This workshop was designed to (1) summarize our current knowledge on whether basic metabolism changes with advancing age and/or caloric restriction and (2) to identify research opportunities in this important area of aging biology. (Contacts: Drs. David B. Finkelstein and Anna M. McCormick, BAP, 301-496-6402)
NIA and NIAMS co-sponsored a workshop on "Stem Cell Biology: Potential and Promise" on June 1-2 in the Natcher Conference Center. The meeting focused on hematopoietic, mesenchymal, and neuronal stem cells and their possible use for treating musculoskeletal, neurological, and immunological disorders. NACA member Dr. Judith Campisi was one of the speakers. (Contacts: Drs. Huber Warner and Jill Carrington, BAP, 301-496-4996; Dr. Brad Wise, NNA, 301-496-9350)
Workshop on “Testosterone Replacement in Men” (TRIM)"Testosterone Replacement in Men" (TRIM), a two-day NIA advisory workshop, was held on June 5-6, 2000 in Bethesda, Maryland. The workshop reviewed the scientific status of testosterone replacement therapy in older men and made recommendations to the NIA about opportunities for future research in the area. (Contact: Dr. Stanley Slater, GP, 301-496-6761)
NIA co-sponsored the First International Conference on Rural Aging, June 7-11, 2000 in Charleston, West Virginia. Approximately 2000 attendees from 40 nations came to discuss the needs of the aging in rural areas. Plenary speakers included Senator Robert Byrd, WV Governor Cecil Underwood, Geraldine Ferraro, Hugh Downs, and officials from the UN Programme on Aging, the Pan-American Health Organization, and the WHO. Symposia were led by speakers from US government agencies and prominent researchers from the international academic community. Symposia leaders compared demographic trends among the urban and rural elderly, while acknowledging the dearth of longitudinal data and cross-national studies of rural aging processes. They specifically noted the need for research in migration patterns, social patterns and transitions, family exchanges, customs and community ties, health behaviors and utilization of health care services. (Contact: Dr. Richard Suzman, BSR, 301-496-3131)
Advisory Panel on Exceptional LongevityThis Advisory Panel to NIA met on July 18-19, 2000, in Bethesda. The meeting explored opportunities for studies to evaluate strategies for collection and storage of cells and data from persons with exceptional longevity and their kindred in regard to their potential usefulness in genetic epidemiologic and other studies on determinants of longevity and healthy aging. The workshop included epidemiologists, gerontologists, demographers, statisticians, geneticists, and representatives of pertinent agencies.
(Contact: Dr. Evan Hadley, GP, 301-435-3044)
Inclusion of Language-Minority Populations in National Studies: Challenges, Opportunities, and Best Practices. The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) and the NIA Behavioral and Social Research (BSR) Program, with co-funding from the NIH Office of Research on Minority Health (ORMH), jointly organized this workshop, which was held on July 27-28, 2000, in Bethesda, Maryland. The primary impetus for this meeting was the fact that prospective subjects who do not speak English well are often excluded in national surveys, leading to the omission of a meaningful segment of the population likely to have difficulty accessing health care. Consequently, a major objective of the workshop was to raise the visibility of this problem in an effort to motivate federal agencies and survey organizations to be more proactive in meeting the challenges associated with improving inclusion of non-English speaking persons in national studies, particularly national surveys that produce widely-used statistics for policy-making. Accordingly, the workshop brought together researchers, representatives from survey organizations and federal agencies, and other experts to address relevant issues and develop a research agenda. The participants identified various barriers to inclusion, such as costs associated with sampling to obtain sufficient Numbers of subjects, translating survey instruments, and hiring and training bilingual interviewers, in addition to time constraints and geographic distribution of such populations. The group generated a Number of recommendations both for improving current practices and for future research directions. (Contacts: Drs. Rose M. Li and Daniel B. Berch, BSR, 301-496-3131)
Planning Meeting on “Exploring the Role of Cancer Centers for Integrating Aging and Cancer Research”A small planning group meeting with designated leaders in the Cancer Centers, National Cancer Institute (NCI), and the National Institute on Aging (NIA) met on August 10, 2000, to explore the role of the cancer centers for integrating aging and cancer research. The meeting focused on identifying promising scientific areas, developing strategies for implementation of integrating aging and cancer research in cancer centers, and on whether to convene a larger workshop. The planning group decided to hold a joint NIA/NCI workshop to explore with senior cancer center representatives, the cancer centers’ expertise and resources that could be brought together to conduct research on the aging/cancer interface, in Bethesda, MD on June 14-15, 2001.
(Contact: Dr. Rosemary Yancik, GP, 301-496-5278)
New Perspectives in Language Research Seminar SeriesThe Neuroscience and Neuropsychology of Aging Program cosponsored a symposium on "The Neural and Computational Bases of Language." The symposium was held on September 11 in the Lipsett Auditorium, on the NIH campus, Bethesda, Maryland. The symposium highlighted leading contemporary approaches to the study of human language. The speakers presented and discussed new research employing techniques of brain imaging, computational modeling, and linguistic analysis. The development of language across the lifespan and the effects of brain injury on language performance were major themes. NIH sponsors: NIDCD, NIA, NICHD, NIMH, NINDS. (Contact: Dr. Molly V. Wagster, NNA, 301-496-9350)
The NIH exploratory workshop on "Prostate Growth and Aging" was held September 13-15 in Leesburg, Virginia. Various ICs (NIDDK, NIEHS and NCI) co-sponsored the workshop with the NIA. The workshop focused on (1) the evidence for age-related prostate growth from epidemiological and clinical observational studies, and the physiologic-pathophysiologic relevance of this growth process; (2) underlying biologic mechanisms of prostate growth processes, such as hormonal mechanisms, fetal steroid exposure, environmental exposure, age-related changes in cell proliferation responses, growth factors, cell cycle/apoptosis/telomerase, stem cells, oxidative stress; and (3) animal models of prostate growth processes and human tissue availability. (Contact: Dr. Frank Bellino, BAP, 301-496-6402)
An exploratory meeting on the "Use of Transgenic Mice in Aging Research" was held September 15-16 in San Antonio, Texas. BAP co-sponsored this meeting with the Nathan Shock Center at the University of Texas Health Science Center. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss vectors for conditional gene expression, and transgenes of potential relevance in aging studies. (Contact: Dr. Huber Warner, BAP, 301-496-4996)
HIV/AIDS and Aging: Prevention and Care Interventions for Older AdultsNIA sponsored a research agenda-setting conference on designing and evaluating HIV/AIDS Prevention Intervention for Older Adults on September 20-21, 2000, in Bethesda, Maryland. Other institutes and centers (ICs) were invited to co-sponsor this conference, which served as a guide to a trans-NIH HIV/AIDS prevention effort proposed for FY2000-2001. Two products were expected: the publication of key papers and a targeted RFA based on expert feedback. Special emphasis was placed on the influence of ethnic/minority issues in HIV/AIDS prevention for middle-aged and older populations. (Contact: Dr. Marcia Ory, BSR, 301-402-4156)
Cognitive Aging: Neurobiological Perspectives and InterventionsThe Neuroscience and Neuropsychology of Aging Program will sponsor a symposium on "Cognitive Aging: Neurobiological Perspectives and Interventions" on Saturday, November 4. The symposium is an ancillary event to the 30th Annual Meeting of the Society for Neuroscience held in New Orleans, Louisiana. As we age, complex behaviors of attention, language, learning and memory become vulnerable to insults, resulting in deficits that, although normal, can produce frustration and concern for elders. This concern has led to demand for research to address the questions – what is “normal” for aging individuals and what can be done to prevent or reverse age-related change in cognition? This symposium will feature an examination of current knowledge of neural and psychological changes with age. Presentations will span research from molecules to behavior and will highlight advances being made in interventions ranging from physical and mental activity to pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals.
(Contact: Dr. Molly V. Wagster, NNA, 301-496-9350)
The NIA advisory workshop on Primate Models of Menopause is being planned for the fall or early winter of 2000 in Bethesda, Maryland. Presentations will focus on the ability of middle-aged non-human primates to model human female reproductive aging processes and its pathophysiologic connections with typical postmenopausal morbidities such as decreased cardiovascular function, increased bone loss, and changes in vasomotor and cognitive function.
(Contact: Dr. Frank Bellino, BAP, 301-496-6402)
Workshop on Advances in MeasurementBSR is planning to hold a small meeting in Bethesda this fall on advances in measurement in the context of longitudinal and national studies. Principal investigators of national survey projects, many funded by NIA, will be brought together to present examples of (1) advances each project has made in the longitudinal measurement of some construct, such as wealth, quality of life, resilience, subjective well-being, density and quality of interpersonal relationships, etc., focusing on measures that have been successful in predicting important outcomes and which appear to have the potential for being adapted for use in other formats; and (2) specific measurement problems encountered in longitudinal, survey assessment that need to be resolved before substantial progress can be made. The primary objective is to increase the exchange of information on measurement issues and constructs among groups of researchers working in seemingly disparate domains (such as psychology and economics) who typically do not interact with each other. (Contact: Dr. Daniel B. Berch, BSR, 301-496-3131)
BSR is planning a small workshop in Bethesda this fall entitled, “Impact of Social/ Interpersonal Relationships on Cognitive Decline.” The participants will present their research findings on this topic, discuss gaps in our knowledge concerning hypothesized mechanisms responsible for the association between social network structure and risk for cognitive decline and dementia, and suggest important questions that should be explored through future research that could improve our understanding as to how close social relationships are protective in this regard. Among the topics to be discussed are presumed physiological pathways mediating the effects of social support, the role of hormonal factors (e.g., cortisol levels), advances in measuring social network structures (e.g., social density, types of relationships and their qualities), and implications of these potential contributing factors for the optimal timing of interventions. It is anticipated that research in this area will uncover ways in which family relations, housing arrangements, etc., can influence health and cognition in the elderly. (Contact: Dr. Daniel B. Berch, BSR, 301-496-3131)
Older Americans 2000: Key Indicators of Well-Being was recently published by the Federal Interagency Forum on Aging-Related Statistics, of which NIA is a founding member. This report focuses on several important areas in the lives of older people--population, economics, health status, health risks and behaviors, and health care. This is the baseline report with updates planned for roughly every three years. The report includes data from NIA-supported studies (e.g., Health Retirement Survey, National Long Term Care Survey, and Panel Study of Income Participation). Hard copies are available through NCHS's Data Dissemination Branch at phone (301) 458-4636 or the NIA Information Center at 1-800-222-2225 or by email: NIAIC@jbs1.com. The report can also be downloaded from http://www.agingstats.gov/
NIH Releases Stem Cell Research Guidelines-- http://www.nih.gov/news/stemcell/index.htm Guidelines for human pluripotent stem cell research, clearing the way for NIH funding for stem cell experiments, took effect on August 25. Researchers will be permitted to use stem cells from early human embryos that were created as a part of fertility treatment, were in excess of those needed for clinical treatment, and were frozen. The guidelines also set forth detailed procedures for obtaining fetal tissue, bar payments or other inducements to donors, prohibit donors from directing that the donated tissue be devoted to treatment of a particular patient, and specify the information included in consent forms. NIH will create a new Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Review Group (HPSCRG) to review funding applications and compliance documents.
From the NIH GUIDE - From Late Winter 1999/Spring-Summer 2000, published since the last National Advisory Council on Aging Meeting. Also check our NIA website “Current Funding Opportunities” (Shown here are selected Notices relevant to NIA and selected Initiatives)
Revision of PHS 398 and 2590 Grant Applications Release Date: September 5, 2000Notice: OD-00-051National Institutes of HealthThe Office of Extramural Research (OER) is embarking on revisions of the Public Health Service Grant Applications (PHS 398 and 2590). Please e-mail your comments to 398Revi@od.nih.gov or visit our interactive feedback form at http://grants.nih.gov/cfdocs/398/feedback.cfm. Comments are requested within 60 days of this announcement. Direct inquiries to Heffernj@od.nih.gov
Approval Process for the Use of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells in NIH-Supported ResearchRelease Date: August 23, 2000Notice: OD-00-050National Institutes of HealthThis Notice represents the final National Institutes of Health Guidelines for Research Using Human Pluripotent Stem Cells. The Guidelines establish procedures to help ensure that NIH-funded research in this area is conducted in an ethical and legal manner and became effective on August 25, 2000. The moratorium on research using human pluripotent stem cells derived from human embryos and fetal tissue put in place by the Director, NIH, in January 1999, was lifted, therefore, on August 25, 2000.
Draft PHS Policy on Instruction in the Responsible Conduct of Research -- Public Comment Period Extended to September 21, 2000Release Date: August 10, 2000Notice: OD-00-049Department of Health and Human Services The Office of Research Integrity and the Public Health Service research agencies are developing a new policy on instruction in the responsible conduct of research for institutions receiving PHS funds for research or research training. This policy will apply to all persons conducting research with PHS support. This policy was announced in the NIH Guide for public comment on July 17, 2000 (OD-00-045). The period for public comment was extended until September 21, 2000. Following consideration of public comments and appropriate revisions, it is expected that the new policy will be announced by November 1, 2000.
NIH Guidelines on the Inclusion of Women and Minorities As Subjects in Clinical Research - Updated August 2, 2000Release Date: August 2, 2000Notice: OD-00-048National Institutes of HealthIn March, 1994, NIH issued a policy on the inclusion of women and minorities as subjects in clinical research (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/Notice-files/not94-100.html ). NIH experience has indicated that inclusion has been accomplished, but that results of planned analyses of NIH defined Phase III clinical trials need to be more consistently reported. NOTE: A complete copy of the updated Guidelines is available at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/women_min/guidelines_update.htm
NIH Modular Grant Applications: Modifications and UpdateRelease Date: July 24, 2000Notice: OD-00-046National Institutes of Health Since the original announcement by the NIH in December 1998 of Modular Grant Applications, about 25,000 applications (R01, R03, R21, R15) have been submitted in the new modular format. Applications for four of the standard investigator-initiated rounds have been received as well as many receipt dates for Request for Applications (RFAs) and Program Announcements (PAs). The NIH modular grant website can be found at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/modular/modular.htm. The need to modify and clarify some of the original instructions and guidance to applicants and applicant institutions has been recognized and addressed in this Notice. Responses to comments received regarding Modular Grant Applications are located at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/modular/modular_peer_review_update.pdf
Required Education in the Protection of Human Research ParticipantsRelease Date: June 5, 2000 (Revised August 25, 2000)Notice: OD-00-039National Institutes of HealthBeginning on October 1, 2000, the NIH will require education on the protection of human research participants for all investigators submitting NIH applications for grants or proposals for contracts or receiving new or non-competing awards for research involving human subjects. This training can be accessed on the web site of the NIH Office of Human Subjects Research at http://ohsr.od.nih.gov/. While this training module was developed for NIH staff, it can be used by other institutions seeking to meet training requirements in this area.
Alzheimer's Disease Core Centershttp://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-AG-00-002.htmlRelease Date: May 16, 2000Contact: Dr. Creighton H. Phelps, (301) 496-9350Email: cp26n@NIH.GOVRFA: AG-00-002Application Receipt Date: September 15, 2000The NIA Alzheimer's Disease Centers (ADCs) program is authorized by the Public Health Service Act, Section 445, and includes 17 Alzheimer's Disease Research Centers (ADRCs) and 11 Alzheimer's Disease Core Centers (ADCCs). Centers are expected to provide an environment and core resources which will enhance ongoing research by bringing together biomedical, behavioral, and clinical science investigators to study the etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of AD, and to improve health care delivery. Centers will also foster the development of new lines of research and provide a suitable environment for fellows and junior faculty to acquire research skills and experience in interdisciplinary AD research. The Centers provide investigators and research groups with well-characterized patients and control subjects, family information, and tissue and biological specimens for use in research projects.
Molecular and Neural Mechanisms Underlying the Effects of Caloric Restriction on Health & Longevityhttp://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-AG-01-002.htmlRelease Date: August 22, 2000Contact: Dr. David B. Finkelstein, (301) 496-6402, Email: df18s@NIH.GOV orDr. Judith A. Finkelstein, (301) 496-9350, Email: jf119k@NIH.GOVRFA: AG-01-002Application Receipt Date: November 20, 2000The purpose of this RFA is to solicit applications to conduct research on the mechanisms underlying the effects of caloric restriction (CR) on longevity and health span. Although numerous studies in several species over the past three decades have shown that experimental animals maintained on CR have a longer lifespan than ad libitum controls, the biological process(es) which mediates this effect is unknown. Knowledge about the changes induced by CR at genetic, molecular, cellular, tissue, systems, and behavioral levels are needed in order to explore the full range of possible mechanisms. One approach to learning more about the underlying mechanisms takes advantage of the recent advances in genetics with the use of transgenic and knockout animals that target genes affecting longevity, body weight regulation, food intake, metabolism, and physical activity. Another approach is to develop and test interventions that mimic the effects that CR induces in experimental animals.
National Institute on Aging Support of Scientific Meetings As Cooperative Agreementshttp://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-00-128.htmlRelease Date: August 2, 2000Contact: Dr. Robin Barr, (301) 496-9322Email: rb42h@NIH.GOVPA Number: PA-00-128The purpose of the program announcement (PA) is to inform the scientific community that the National Institute on Aging (NIA) will now support scientific meetings as cooperative agreements in addition to the current practice of supporting them through the traditional grant mechanism. This document provides guidelines for use when it is appropriate to request support of a meeting as a cooperative agreement and explains procedures for preparing and submitting such applications.
International Studies on Health and Economic Developmenthttp://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-TW-01-001.htmlRelease Date: May 30, 2000Contact: Dr. Rose Maria Li, (301) 496-3138Email: rl26b@NIH.GOVRFA: TW-01-001Announced with Fogarty International Center, World Bank, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Eye Institute, and the Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences ResearchApplication Receipt Date: August 29, 2000This Request for Applications (RFA) solicits projects that examine the effects of health on microeconomic agents (individuals, households and enterprises) and aggregate growth (cross-country growth analysis), as well as explores how health finance and delivery systems are a source of variation in health outcomes. Studies pursued must be relevant to populations in low- and middle-income nations and should preferably be either hypothesis testing or hypothesis generating.
Biological Mechanisms of Noise-Induced Hearing Losshttp://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-DC-00-002.htmlRelease Date: May 30, 2000Contact: Dr. Judith Finkelstein (301) 496-9350Email: jf119k@nih.govRFA: DC-00-002Announced with the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/)Application Receipt Date: September 21, 2000The purpose of this Request for Applications (RFA) is to solicit research grant applications addressing the biological mechanisms of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). The focus of this RFA is to understand the biological consequence of noise as a primary cause of hearing loss. Research opportunities include identifying mechanisms of cellular injury and survival, understanding genetic factors influencing susceptibility, and identifying pharmacologic avenues for protection and rescue from NIHL. The fundamental goal of this research is improved diagnosis, treatment and prevention of NIHL.
Innovative Rehabilitation Interventionshttp://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-HD-00-016.htmlRelease Date: June 27, 2000Contact: Dr. Judith A. Finkelstein, (301) 496-9350E-mail: jf119k@NIH.GOVRFA: HD-00-016Announced with National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (http://www.nichd.nih.gov), and the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/)Application Receipt Date: October 12, 2000This RFA seeks to encourage applications that will apply advances in bioengineering, cognitive science, and neuroscience to the clinical environment by encouraging the development of new techniques and therapies for rehabilitation treatments. The purpose of the Innovative Rehabilitation Interventions grant is to provide support for the initial development and testing of non-pharmaceutical and non-surgical rehabilitation interventions, including development of an effective research group, preliminary proof-of-concept projects, development of new therapeutic modalities, fabrication of new devices, and pilot studies to determine safety and effect size in preparation for future formal clinical trials.
Role of Hormones and Growth Factors in Prostate Cancerhttp://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-DK-01-008.htmlRelease Date: August 7, 2000Contact: Dr. Frank Bellino, (301) 496-6402E-mail: fb12a@NIH.GOVRFA: DK-01-008Announced with National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (http://www.niddk.nih.gov/), National Cancer Institute (http://www.nci.nih.gov/), and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (http://www.niehs.nih.gov/)Application Receipt Date: March 27, 2001This initiative is designed to explore the underlying mechanism(s) of action of hormones and growth factors in the regulation of prostate development, growth, and tumorigenesis. The focus will be on fundamental studies of hormone and growth factor action including the mechanisms of action of nuclear hormones, the role(s) of nuclear accessory proteins and the signal transduction pathways important for nuclear hormone action in prostate. Focus will also be on growth factor action in prostate, including growth factors, binding proteins, receptors and signal transduction pathways. Studies are also invited that will examine the patterns of gene expression in the prostate in vivo or in prostate cells in response to hormone or growth factor action. Moreover, since there are some studies that indicate that environmental factors also increase the risk for development of prostate cancer, an additional focus will be on studies that will explore the role of environmental factor(s) in affecting hormonal/growth factor action in prostate. Finally, studies on the development and potential use of hormone/growth factor analogs, agonists, or antagonists with potential clinical utility to modify prostate growth and tumor development and/or progression will be encouraged.
Fetal Origins of Adult Diseasehttp://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-HD-00-021.htmlRelease Date: August 10, 2000For applications with a major emphasis on cognitive functioning and neurogenerative disease in later life, as well as behavioral or social research on aging, contact:Dr. Rose Maria Li, (301) 496-3138, Email: rl26b@NIH.GOV orFor applications with primary emphasis on the biology of aging contact:Dr. Huber Warner, (301) 402-0010, Email: hw7a@NIH.GOVRFA: HD-00-021Announced with National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (http://www.nichd.nih.gov/), National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (http://www.niddk.nih.gov/), and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (http://www.niehs.nih.gov/)Application Receipt Date: October 24, 2000The purpose of this solicitation is to determine the mechanisms by which the intrauterine environment programs fetal metabolism to predispose individuals to chronic disease later in life and to determine whether these mechanisms may contribute to disparities in the prevalence of obesity, diabetes, hypertension, atherosclerosis, and neurodegeneration among various races and ethnic groups. The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), the National Institute on Aging (NIA), the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) seek to encourage research on the basic mechanisms that may explain the lifelong consequences of intrauterine growth retardation and/or exposure to deficient and/or stressful intrauterine environments.
Basic and Translational Research in Emotion (R01)http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-00-105.htmlRelease Date: June 15, 2000Contact: Dr. Jared B. Jobe, (301) 496-3137Email: Jared_Jobe@nih.govPA Number: PA-00-105Announced with National Institute of Mental Health, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Cancer Institute, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institute on Drug Abuse, and the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
Basic and Translational Research in Emotion: Small Grantshttp://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-00-106.htmlRelease Date: June 15, 2000Contact: Dr. Jared B. Jobe, (301) 496-3137Email: Jared_Jobe@nih.govPA Number: PA-00-106Announced with National Institute of Mental Health, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Cancer Institute, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, and the National Institute on Drug AbuseProgram Announcements (PA) PA-00-105 and 106 are revisions of PA-94-059, which was published in the NIH Guide on April 29, 1994.These PAs invite research grant applications to expand basic research on the processes and mechanisms involved in the experience and expression of emotion. Recent years have shown the rapid expansion of concepts and methods for studying emotion in all of its aspects. Outlined in the program announcements are current needs that stem from these advances and that constitute critical components of a comprehensive basic research strategy, with the ultimate aim of fostering mental and physical health and the understanding of human development and aging.
Self-Management Strategies Across Chronic Diseaseshttp://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-00-109.htmlRelease Date: June 22, 2000Contact: Dr. Marcia G. Ory, (301) 402-4156Email: Marcia_Ory@NIH.GOVPA Number: PA-00-109Announced with National Institute of Nursing Research, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institute of Mental Health, and the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and StrokeThe purpose of this Program Announcement (PA) is to solicit applications to expand research on established self-management interventions to multiple chronic diseases across the life-course. Interventions aimed at chronic disease self-management are numerous and many are well described in the literature. They are often presented as specific to a particular chronic disease. This PA encourages applicants to investigate the applicability of effective self-management interventions to a broader spectrum of chronic diseases. Chronic disease, for this announcement, is defined as illnesses that are prolonged, are rarely cured completely, and require self-management behaviors by affected individuals and/or their caretakers.
Self-Management in Minority Populationshttp://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-00-113.htmlRelease Date: June 27, 2000Contact: Dr. Marcia G. Ory, (301) 402-4156Email: Marcia_Ory@NIH.GOVPA Number: PA-00-113Announced with National Institute of Nursing Research, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, and the National Institute of Environmental Health SciencesThis Program Announcement (PA) solicits applications for investigator-initiated research related to sociocultural, environmental, and behavioral mechanisms and biological/technological factors that contribute to successful and ongoing self-management of diabetes in minority populations. Applications that expand accepted intervention strategies in majority populations to minority populations are encouraged. Testing new interventions designed to promote self-management in minority diabetes populations will also be responsive to the PA. Self-management is defined as client strategies and behaviors that contribute to blood glucose normalization, improved health, and prevention or reduction of complications. The concept is broader than adherence to specific regimen components and incorporates deliberate problem solving and decision making processes. Applications are encouraged for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes and all age groups.
Planning Grants: National Programs of Excellence in Biomedical Computing (Pre-NPEBC)http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-00-102.htmlRelease Date: June 29, 2000 (Supercedes May 30, 2000 version)Contact: Dr. David B. Finkelstein, (301) 496-6402Email: df18s@NIH.GOVPA Number: PAR-00-102Announced with National Cancer Institute, National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, National Eye Institute, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institute of General Medical Sciences, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, and the National Library of MedicineApplication Receipt Date: November 27, March 27, and July 27 annually (Solicitation begins with the November 27, 2000, receipt date and ends with the November 27, 2002, receipt date.)This PA invites applications for P20 planning grants that lead to the establishment of National Programs of Excellence in Biomedical Computing. Subsequent to this program announcement, a series of solicitations will be issued by participating NIH Institutes and Centers to invite applications for National Programs of Excellence in Biomedical Computing (NPEBC) awards. There exists an expanding opportunity to speed the progress of biomedical research through the power of computing primarily in areas concerning management and analysis of data and modeling biological processes. The NIH is interested in establishing NPEBC to promote research and developments in biomedical information science and technology that will support rapid progress in areas of scientific opportunity in biomedical research.
Innovations in Biomedical Information Science and Technology: SBIR/STTR Initiativehttp://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-00-118.htmlRelease Date: June 29, 2000Contact: Dr. David B. Finkelstein, (301) 496-6402Email: df18s@NIH.GOVPA Number: PA-00-118Announced with National Cancer Institute, National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, National Center for Research Resources, National Eye Institute, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institute of General Medical Sciences, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institute of Nursing Research, and the National Library of MedicineApplication Receipt Dates: November 27, March 27, and June 27 annually (The solicitation begins with the November 27, 2000, receipt date and ends with the November 27, 2002, receipt date.)This PA invites applications for innovative research in biomedical information science and technology to promote the progress of biomedical research. Since there exists an expanding opportunity to speed the progress of biomedical research through the power of computing to manage and analyze data and to model biological processes, the NIH is interested in promoting research and developments in biomedical information science and technology that will support rapid progress in areas of scientific opportunity in biomedical research. As defined here biomedical computing or biomedical information science and technology includes database design, graphical interfaces, querying approaches, data retrieval, data visualization and manipulation, data integration through the development of integrated analytical tools, synthesis, and tools for electronic collaboration, as well as computational research including the development of structural, functional, integrative, and analytical models and simulations.
Innovations in Biomedical Information Science and Technology: Phased Innovation Award (R21/R33)http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-00-117.htmlRelease Date: June 29, 2000Contact: Dr. David B. Finkelstein, (301) 496-6402Email: df18s@NIH.GOVPA Number: PA-00-117Announced with Fogarty International Center, National Cancer Institute, National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, National Center for Research Resources, National Eye Institute, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institute of General Medical Sciences, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, and the National Library of MedicineApplication Receipt Dates: November 27, March 27, and July 27 annually (This solicitation begins with the November 27, 2000, receipt date and ends with the November 27, 2002, receipt date.)Participating Institutes and Centers of the National Institutes of Health invite applications for innovative research in biomedical information science and technology to promote the progress of biomedical research. Since there exists an expanding opportunity to speed the progress of biomedical research through the power of computing to manage and analyze data and to model biological processes, the NIH is interested in promoting research and developments in biomedical information science and technology that will support rapid progress in areas of scientific opportunity in biomedical research. As defined here, biomedical computing or biomedical information science and technology includes database design, graphical interfaces, querying approaches, data retrieval, data visualization and manipulation, data integration through the development of integrated analytical tools, synthesis, and tools for electronic collaboration, as well as computational research including the development of structural, functional, integrative, and analytical models and simulations.
Quality of Life for Individuals at the End-Of-Lifehttp://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-00-127.htmlRelease Date: August 2, 2000Contact: Dr. Sidney M. Stahl, (301) 402-4156Email: Sidney_Stahl@nih.govPA Number: PA-00-127Announced with National Institute of Nursing Research, National Cancer Institute, National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, and the National Institute of Mental HealthThis program announcement replaces PA-98-019, which was published in the NIH Guide, Vol. 26, No. 40, December 19, 1997.The National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR) and six other ICs seek research grant applications that will generate scientific knowledge to improve the quality of life for individuals who are facing end-of-life issues and for their families. Research applications may include basic, clinical or care delivery studies focused on management of physical and psychological symptoms, patient-provider and patient-family communication, ethics and clinical decision-making, caregiver support, or the context of care delivery for those facing life-limiting illnesses. In a broad sense the purpose of this program announcement is to enhance the quality of life remaining for individuals who are nearing the end of their lives.
NIH National Research Service Awards for Senior Fellows (F33)http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-00-131.htmlRelease Date: August 28, 2000Contact: Dr. Robin Barr, (301) 496-9322Email: rb42h@nih.govPA Number: PA-00-131Announced with National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, National Cancer Institute, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institute of Deafness and other Communication Disorders, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Eye Institute, National Institute of General Medical Sciences, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institute of Nursing Research, National Center for Human Genome Research, National Center for Research Resources, and the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.In 1974 the Congress of the United States enacted the National Research Service Act (NRSA) Program to help ensure that highly trained scientists will be available in adequate Numbers and in appropriate research areas to carry out the nation’s biomedical and behavioral research agenda. In accordance with this act the National Institutes of Health (NIH) awards NRSA senior fellowships (F33) to experienced scientists who wish to make major changes in the direction of their research careers or who wish to broaden their scientific background by acquiring new research capabilities. These awards will enable individuals with at least seven years of research experience beyond the doctorate, and who have progressed to the stage of independent investigator, to take time from regular professional responsibilities for the purpose of receiving training to increase their scientific capabilities.
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